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Origins of Buddha 12D/11N

12 Days / 11 Nights from $2,280 per person

TOUR ITINERARY

This is a private short stay package for the independent traveller.

DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA

Upon arrival at Kolkata airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: KOLKATA TO GAYA

Tour the famous Jain temples of Kolkata, the local flower market, Howrah Bridge, Kali Ma Temple and Victoria Memorial. This evening, board your overnight train to Gaya. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: GAYA TO BODHGAYA

Arrive in Gaya early this morning and transfer to Bodhgaya. This afternoon, visit the Sujata Stupa and the local markets. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: BODHGAYA

Bodhgaya is home to the most important Buddhist sites, and is believed to be the place of Buddha’s enlightenment. Visit Mahabodhi Temple, where it is said he attained the supreme knowledge to become Buddha. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: BODHGAYA TO RAJGIR

Depart for Rajgir, visiting the 5th-century BC ancient Nalanda University en route. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: RAJGIR TO KUSHINAGAR

Drive to Kushinagar. Visit the Kesariya Stupa, the largest in the world, as well as Vaishali, said to be one of Buddha’s favourite retreats and where it is believed he delivered his last sermon. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: KUSHINAGAR TO LUMBINI

Tour Kushinagar, including the Muktabandhana Stupa. Leave for Lumbini in Nepal, where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Buddha. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: LUMBINI TO SRAVASTI

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Lumbini, including an ancient monastery, a sacred Bodhi tree, the Asokan Pillar and Mayadevi Temple, located at the place of Buddha’s birth. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: SRAVASTI TO LUCKNOW

Visit Anathapindika and Angulimala Stupas and Jetavana Gardens. Later, depart for Lucknow. (B,L,D)

DAY10: LUCKNOW

Visit the 18th-century shrine of Imambara, Lucknow Residency and a local gallery. Later, wander through the local bazaar. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: LUCKNOW TO DELHI

Fly to Delhi. Tour New Delhi, visiting the India Gate, Qutub Minar and drive past Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan. (B)

DAY 12: DEPART DELHI

Tour Old Delhi, including Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk Bazaar, drive past the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat. This afternoon, transfer to the airport where your arrangements end. (B,L)